Only two other players have done the PFA double: former Aston
Villa striker Andy Gray in 1977 and Cristiano Ronaldo in 2007 when
he was with Manchester United.

Bale's ability to bamboozle defenses and score from set-pieces
has led to inevitable comparisons with Ronaldo, who is now starring
for Real Madrid.

"Both are extremely technical, powerful and pacey," Tottenham
manager Andre Villas-Boas said. "They grew up as strikers but
became wingers. Gareth is now playing a more advanced role. Ronaldo
is also able to play that role up front."

Bale's scintillating displays have produced 24 goals and been
crucial to Tottenham sitting fifth in the Premier League to remain
in the hunt for the four Champions League places in the closing
weeks of the season.

Bale's career has witnessed a remarkable turnaround since he
joined Tottenham at 17 in 2007 for 5 million pounds (then $8
million) and endured a frustrating start.

A series of injuries stymied his progress and he played 24
league games across two years before finally featuring on a winning
side.

Harry Redknapp, who was then in charge of Tottenham, pushed Bale
forward onto the left wing, allowing him to attack without having
to think so much about the defensive aspect of his game.

Bale has kept his searing pace despite developing a more robust
physique that allows him to shrug off opponents, while often now
playing in a more central attacking position.

"I have been shooting a lot more and I have been coming inside
a lot more, too," he said at the awards' ceremony in London. "I
have a few less assists this year, but I am in more scoring
positions these days and that has obviously helped my scoring
tally."

Bale was also selected in the Premier League team of the year
along with Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, who is currently serving
a 10-game ban for biting an opponent. The voting took place before
Suarez sank his teeth into Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic last
Sunday, and his name was booed when it was read out at the
ceremony.

Chelsea duo Juan Mata and Eden Hazard, Manchester United's
Michael Carrick are in midfield, while Manchester United striker
Robin van Persie also features with Bale and Suarez.

PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor wishes Suarez followed the
lead of Bale and Van Persie in setting a better example to
youngsters.
"Everyone knows Suarez is a great footballer. I just wish at
times he could fall into line because footballers are role models
and Gareth and Robin van Persie are really good examples for the
younger generation," Taylor said.